tomorrowland
Savor the Moment BY K IAN N A DAYE
A
s a born and raised native, Durham has been my home and heart for the past 33 years. Growing up, I attended
Southwest Elementary School, Rogers-Herr Middle School and Jordan High School. I hold the
vibrant diversity and history that my city embodies very near and dear to my heart. I proudly throw up the “Bull City” hand sign every chance I get. Durham has fostered growth, creativity and a strong sense of belonging not only for me, but also for my family. We often attend Merrick-Moore community events, where we feel seen as Black homeowners, as well as National Night Out, food truck rodeos, the Durham Farmers Market and children’s events held at Book Harvest and Durham County Library’s Saturday reading times. I am proud to continue the growth of my family and build a community in a city that has provided me with experiences that molded and shaped me into the person I am today. I come from a family of public servants. My dad is a retired police officer with the Durham Police Department, and my husband is currently a corporal for the DPD. My late aunt Gussie Ray was a retired hospital worker with Duke University Hospital, and my late uncle Billy Ray, a retired Duke University Transit bus driver. They taught me the value of dedication, integrity and community service. Their influence also sparked my passion for food and culinary experiences; I often still lean on my parents, Dock Culver and Karen Culver, to learn about some of Durham’s longest-running restaurants and
KIAN N A DAY E , BE TTE R KNO WN AS DEL ISHDISH _ FOODIE O N SOCIAL ME D I A , IS A FOOD CON TE N T CRE ATOR A ND A PASSIONATE E D UCATOR O F 1 1 YEARS; SHE CURRE N TLY SE RVE S AS THE D IRECTOR O F OPE RATIO NS AT HEN D ERSO N COL L EGIATE HIGH SCHO O L . KIAN N A L IV E S IN THE HISTO RI C ME RRICK-MO O RE COMMUN I TY WITH HE R HUSBAN D, DARIAN DAY E , AN D 6-YE A R- O L D DAUGHTE R.
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their favorite spots, like Parizade, Bullock’s Bar-B-Cue, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant and Italian Pizzeria. As a food content creator, I have the privilege of exploring, tasting and sharing our city’s culinary delights, which is quite the treat. This journey has opened my eyes to the incredible potential within our food scene – from historic restaurants and family-owned eateries to innovative food trucks. In the next few years, I see Durham growing as a huge melting pot and the center of some of the best culinary experiences in North Carolina, putting us well on our way to being one of the best food cities in the United States. Durham is truly a haven for food lovers like myself. The city’s progression is undeniably amazing. I envision it to be a city where all citizens, old and new, can thrive, as well as be a city that continues to embrace and promote diversity. I dream of a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can feel supported by a community that values them, by continuing to create spaces where individuals feel heard and can continue to show up as their authentic self such as Black August in the Park, the Pride: Durham, NC dance party, and Durham County’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Game Day, to name a few. Durham’s unique blend of history, kinship and culture makes it an incredibly special place to call home; I hope to continue contributing to its growth through my own culinary journey.